M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN COLLECTION

July 10, 2023|Horror Reviews , Psychological & Suspense

Beware, dear reader, for what you are about to read is not for the faint of heart. M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, "Knock at the Cabin," is a sinister tale that delves deep into the darkness of the human psyche. With its unrelenting tension, disturbing imagery, and a shocking ending, this horror film will haunt you long after the credits have rolled. So, gather your courage, prepare to be horrified, and take a deep breath as we venture into a world of moral ambiguity, psychological terror, and the struggle of facing the end of the world.

M. Night Shyamalan's horror sensation "Knock at the Cabin" is a true masterpiece of psychological terror that will leave you shaking in fear. Based on the novel "The Cabin at the End of the World" by Paul G. Tremblay, this film takes place in a remote cabin in the forest, where a family's worst nightmare comes true.

The story begins innocuously enough, with seven-year-old Wen catching grasshoppers in a sun-dappled meadow. But when she meets the stranger Leonard, things take a sinister turn. As Wen becomes suspicious of Leonard and his companions' true intentions, she flees to warn her fathers, Eric and Andrew. But it's too late, for the visitors are already breaking in, and what follows is a nerve-wracking descent into chaos and horror.

Shyamalan's choice to set the film in a single location, the isolated cabin, allows him to create a sense of claustrophobia that permeates the entire story. The intruders' appearances are unsettling, and their makeshift weapons reminiscent of something out of a horror movie. As the family grapples with the impossible ultimatum of sacrificing one of their own to prevent the end of the world, the audience is left questioning the morality of their choices.

The film's chilling atmosphere is mirrored by its outstanding performances, particularly that of Dave Bautista as Leonard. Bautista delivers a haunting and nuanced portrayal of a man who is either a savior or a madman, and it is difficult to tell the difference until it's too late. The rest of the cast, including Jonathan Groff and Nikki Amuka-Bird, also contribute to the film's palpable sense of dread and doom.

But what truly sets this horror film apart is Shyamalan's use of subtle and not-so-subtle imagery to unnervingly foreshadow the apocalyptic horrors that are to come. Whether it's the darkening sky, the vision of a figure of light, or the appearance of a wallet that Andrew recognizes as Redmond's, Shyamalan employs these techniques to make the audience feel both stupefied and terrified.

The ending of "Knock at the Cabin" is both shocking and disturbing, leaving viewers with a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. This is a film that will stick with you and haunt your dreams, questioning what you would do in the face of an impossible choice.

In conclusion, "Knock at the Cabin" is a must-see horror movie that will leave you gasping for breath and reaching out for comfort. Shyamalan's expert direction, the film's outstanding performances, and its chilling atmosphere combine to create a masterful horror experience that will keep you on edge until the very end. So beware, and bring a friend to hold onto because you may not want to watch this on your own.

As we come to the end of our journey into the world of "Knock at the Cabin," we cannot help but feel the weight of the film's haunting themes and chilling ending. Shyamalan has once again proven his mastery of blending suspense and psychological horror, creating a story that will linger in our minds long after we've left the theater. This film does not provide easy answers nor any form of resolution; it is a stark reminder of the darkness and uncertainty that lurks within us all. So, brace yourself, dear reader, for the horrors of "Knock at the Cabin" are not easily left behind, and they will continue to haunt your thoughts for days to come.

4 out of 5 stabs 🔪🔪🔪🔪

The Cabin Knock is a captivating tale featuring impressive performances by endearing and identifiable characters. It is my firm belief that this movie deserves the four-star rating I have bestowed upon it, as well as a resolute endorsement with a solid recommendation.

August 30, 2023|Horror Reviews , Psychological & Suspense

The sound of the crashing waves is the only thing to break the suffocating silence on the deserted, private beach. It's paradise: blue skies, golden sand, and crystal clear water. At first glance, it all seems perfect – until a dead body is found floating in the water. This is just the beginning of the horror that unfolds in M Night Shyamalan's new film, Old. A family's vacation turns into a nightmare as they, and others who have joined them on the secluded beach, start to age rapidly. The fear of mortality and the unknown lies at the heart of Old, as the characters and viewers alike grapple with the chaos of life.

M Night Shyamalan is a director who has had his fair share of success and failure throughout his career. He exploded onto the scene with his debut feature, The Sixth Sense in 1999, which received critical acclaim and was a huge box office success. The film was praised for its plot twist ending, with many regarding it as one of the greatest of all time.

Since then, Shyamalan has been known for his love of plot twists, to the point where it has become a bit of a cliché associated with his work. However, in his latest film, Old, Shyamalan attempts to prove that there is more to his filmmaking than just surprise endings.

Old tells the story of a family on a tropical vacation who finds themselves mysteriously aging at an accelerated rate. The film stars Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Rufus Sewell, and Ken Leung, among others. It is based on the Swiss graphic novel Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters, but Shyamalan has added his own resolution to the story.

One thing that stands out about Old is its unpredictability. Shyamalan likes to mess with his audience's expectations, which can be seen from the opening scene of the film. We are introduced to a family on vacation, enjoying their time together, until the camera starts to linger on the outside, watching them through the windows. It creates a sense of unease, as though something is about to happen, but we don't know what.

The film's tension only grows from there, with each passing moment adding to the suspense. As the characters begin to age at an accelerated rate, they are forced to confront their own mortality and the inevitability of death. It's a primal fear that everyone can relate to, which is what makes the film so effective.

However, despite its strong premise and execution, Old suffers from the same issue that has plagued many of Shyamalan's films: a desire for order and stability within the universe. Sometimes this can be refreshing, as it is in Old, where all of the characters are hyper-competent. However, Shyamalan's persistent search for a tidy resolution ultimately strips the film of some of its staying power. 

The film is still did well in theaters, but its mixed reviews suggest that it may not be able to escape Shyamalan's reputation as the king of plot twists, despite his efforts to move beyond that label. Regardless, Old is proof that Shyamalan is a filmmaker who can still create compelling and unpredictable stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

As the credits roll, we've experienced the full range of emotions: fear, confusion, and a sense of awe. Old is a film that explores the fragility of life and the fear of the unknown, leaving us with questions about our own mortality. Yet, in the face of uncertainty, it also shows the resilience of the human spirit and the strength to persevere through adversity. M Night Shyamalan has once again proved why he is a master of suspense and unpredictability, and Old has cemented his reputation as a filmmaker who can still take us on an unforgettable ride.

3 out of 5 stabs 🔪🔪🔪
FINAL THOUGHTS: Old may not be a perfect film, but it is a thought-provoking exploration of aging that showcases M Night Shyamalan's unique ability to surprise and shock his audiences. It is definitely one of his better films.